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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Disney Channel debuts its first ever same sex couple

The Disney Channel just introduced its first-ever lesbian couple on the series "Good Luck Charlie."

As TV Guide pointed out:
In the storyline, parents Amy and Bob Duncan (Leigh-Allyn Baker and Eric Allan Kramer) set up a playdate for preschooler Charlie (Mia Talerico) and one of her new friends. When the kid arrives, the Duncans learn that Charlie's pal has two moms. That's fine, but the potential new friendship is put to the test as one mom chats with Amy, and the other is stuck listening to Bob's dull stories.
A Disney Channel spokesperson told the publication that the episode was "developed to be relevant to kids and families around the world and to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness."
News of the planned storyline broke last year. Among those to offer her support was none other than Miley Cyrus herself.
Meanwhile, right-wing group One Million Moms (who are best known for a failed boycott against JCPenney after the retail giant hired Ellen DeGeneres as its spokesperson) condemned the episode.
"Conservative families need to urge Disney to avoid controversial topics that children are far too young to comprehend," organizers wrote at the time, according to Lez Get Real. "This is the last place a parent would expect their children to be confronted with topics that are too difficult for them to understand. Mature issues of this nature are being introduced too early and too soon, and it is extremely unnecessary."

What do you think? Is this appropriate for the times or is this inappropriate for childrens television? 

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

100 Best Decorated Cookies With Photos

ONLY $19.38

The following content was provided by the publisher.
"Hand-crafted cookies from your kitchen are the perfect gift and great for any occasion "
Both the occasional holiday home baker and the seasoned pro will delight in Julie Anne Hession's designs and ideas. This fun and creative book features tempting cookie decorating ideas for a wide array of occasions and holidays.
There are 750 color step-by-step photos that will make even the most nervous baker/decorator feel comfortable, and they'll also provide a great source of inspiration when planning for an event. And the concealed wire-o lay flat binding means that the baker can comfortably follow along with the instructions without having to wrangle unwieldy pages or end up with frosting-dipped edges.
All the information about getting started is featured -- from techniques, equipment and ingredients to easy-to-follow instructions on filling and using a pastry bag, rolling/shaping cookies or advice on cookie sheets and rolling pins. And the comprehensive decorator cookie dough section even features gluten-free and vegan options. It includes delectable recipes for Vermont Maple Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies and Julie Anne's Classic Vanilla-Orange Sugar Cookies.
Here's a small but sweet sampling of decorating ideas:
Holidays
Christmas: Stockings, Holly Leaf Place Cards Halloween: Haunted House & Tombstones, Witch and Broom Valentine's Day: Message Hearts, Stained Glass Hearts
Parties
Wedding: "Just Married" Car, Wedding Dress, Tuxedo Baby Shower: Baby Blocks, Baby Bottle, Rattle, Teddy Bear
Seasons (customize for your own event/occasion)
Winter: Snowflakes, Snowman, Mittens, Winter Hat Spring: Honey Bee and Hive, Umbrella and Raindrops, Butterfly
Miscellaneous
Ocean/Water: Starfish, Octopus, Turtle, Lobster, Frog, Whale, Fish Sports: Baseball Hat, Ice Skates, Tennis Racquet, Football.
From basic techniques to the elaborately frosted and decorated cookie, this whimsical yet comprehensive cookie decorating book will soon find a cherished place in every baker's heart.

Monday, January 27, 2014

PMI Nutrition, LLC Recalls Red Flannel® Cat Food

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

PMI Nutrition, LLC Recalls Red Flannel® Cat Food Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination


Contact:
Consumer:
(800) 332-4738

Media: 
Rebecca Lentz
(651) 375-5949 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 25, 2014 - PMI Nutrition, LLC (PMI), Arden Hills, Minn., has initiated a voluntary recall of its 20 lb. bags of Red Flannel® Cat Formula cat food for possible Salmonella contamination. There have been no reports of illness related to this product to date. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution after routine testing by the FDA Detroit District Office identified possible Salmonella contamination.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Red Flannel® Cat Food was manufactured by a third-party manufacturer for PMI. The product was sold through dealers to customers distributed in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
The lot number is printed on the lower back side of the bag in a white box on the right-hand side. The lot number will be preceded by a time stamp that will be unique to each bag. (Example 14:32) The lot number and best-by date impacted by this recall are as follows:
Best by 05 06 14 096 13 SM L2 1A (lot number)
The UPC code for the recalled product is: 7 42869 00058 5.
No other products/lot numbers are affected by this recall.
Customers should immediately discontinue use of and return impacted product to their dealer for a full refund or replacement. We continue to work with impacted dealers and distributors to trace the bags.
For more information on the recall, customers can contact the customer service line for PMI products at 1-800-332-4738. Customer service representatives will be available Sunday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense books

Rekindled (Titanium Security Series)  
Save 70% NOW!! 

He left her when she needed him most… 

Four years ago, Dr. Grace Fallon lost everything that mattered in a terrorist attack she barely survived. Now she’s stronger than ever and in Pakistan with a UN-sanctioned team for the most important assignment of her career. She’s dedicated her life to eradicating the world of chemical weapons, and long ago accepted the inherent risks associated with her job. Until the man whose memory has haunted her for so long suddenly reappears and inadvertently makes her the target of one of the most dangerous terrorists on the planet. Forced to accept Alex’s protection, it’s impossible to deny the white-hot attraction still burning between them. And while she trusts him to guard her from this new threat, Grace must once again decide whether to risk her heart to the man who once shattered her entire world. 

Now he’ll risk everything to win her back… 

Four years ago, NSA agent Alex Rycroft left Grace because had no choice. But never again. Malik Hassani has escaped custody, he’s on the run, and has locked onto Grace as a means to target Alex. This time Alex will do whatever it takes to protect her—and convince her to give them another chance. Walking away from her nearly destroyed him and now that she’s back in his life, he can’t let her go. When the unthinkable happens and Grace’s life hangs in the balance, he’ll sacrifice everything to save her—including himself.







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A woman with a dark past...

Forced into hiding after her NSA-sanctioned task force lands on a terrorist cell’s hit list, cryptologist Zahra Gill must rely on the skill and experience of her ex-Special Ops Titanium Security teammates to keep her safe—including former Force Recon Marine Sean Dunphy. The impossibly sexy man has the unnerving ability to shatter her concentration by simply walking into the same room. Even though she’s sworn to keep him at a distance, his charm and protectiveness weaken her resistance. Drawn to his strength and magnetic sensuality, she finally gives in to the passion she’s denied herself for so long...even though she knows she might lose her heart in the process.

The man strong enough to win her trust...

Sean’s had his eye on the guarded, proud analyst from the first day they met. He knows she’s hiding something from him, but nothing could have prepared him for the shocking truth of her past. When a targeted attack brutally exposes Zahra’s dark secrets, Sean will do everything in his power to protect the woman he’s fallen for. Unfortunately the cell hunting them has powerful connections and their enemy is closer than they ever imagined.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Funny Drawing

This cute kid note is a reminder that children are always watching.
Drawn by Cooper age 7. 
An innocent mistake: Mom explains that when she questioned Cooper about the drawing, "he began to lift his middle finger and an 'uh oh' expression blanketed his face." He then said, "Oh no Mommy. That's what you do to drivers when you are mad."


Thursday, January 23, 2014

Dog treats linked to deaths and sicknesses are returning to store shelves

This is a little bit different from my usual posts, but I think we can all agree that our pets are also our babies.  I am posting this recent story about treats. Please read and share to help spread the word. 

Dog treats linked to hundreds of animal deaths and thousands of illnesses are returning to store shelves soon. Milo's Kitchen and Waggin' Train treats were recalled last year. 

Despite having no firm evidence of what caused the deaths and sicknesses, the treats will be sold again. 

The FDA recommends avoiding jerky treats altogether.







Dog treats linked to hundreds of animal deaths and thousands of illnesses are returning to store shelves soon.
Despite having no firm evidence of what caused the deaths and sicknesses, Waggin Train and Milo’s Kitchen brand treats will be sold again.
Last year, a nationwide recall was issued. The Food and Drug Administration said all animal owners should avoid jerky pet treats.
According to NBC News, Nestle Purina Pet Care officials say they’ll reintroduce a line of Waggin’ Train treats for dogs starting next month, including products made from a single supplier in China and new products sourced entirely in the United States.
“We’ve worked hard to put in place the highest quality controls in the dog treat industry,” Waggin’ Train President Nina Leigh says in a promotional video.
And Del Monte Foods Corp. officials said they’ll resume selling Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky Strips and Chicken Grillers Recipe treats in March using U.S.-sourced meat.
Federal Food and Drug Administration officials told NBC News they know about Nestle Purina’s plans and have reviewed them, but they said the company doesn’t need special permission, known as pre-market approval, to reintroduce the treats. And they said they couldn’t discuss the review.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Andrew Jacob Cervantez, May Be Nation's Biggest Baby

They sure know how to grow them in California.
Andrew Jacob Cervantez weighed 15 pounds, 2 ounces, when he was born by emergency cesarean section on Jan. 16, 2014 at Desert Valley Hospital in California's San Bernardino County. His impressive weight makes him a candidate for the state's largest baby -- and possibly one of the nation's biggest in recent memory, USA Today notes.

The infant also measured 2 feet long at birth, practically 40 percent of the height of his 5-foot-1-inch mother, Vanessa Cervantez.
“I couldn’t even believe it,” Cervantez told the Victorville Daily Press. “They had to double check because I didn’t believe them; I thought the machine was broken.”
In May 2011, California celebrated the arrival of another large infant, Matthew Anthony Maldanado, who weighed 14 pounds, 3.8 ounces when he was born in Salinas, Calif.
However, both Matthew and Andrew pale in comparison to the world's heaviest baby. Born to mother Anna Bates in 1879, that infant reportedly weighed 23 pounds, 12 ounces at birth, according to Guinness World Records. Sadly, the child died 11 hours later.

Note to KIDS

When you're a parent, sleeping in = living the dream. Even if "sleeping in" really just means getting up at 10:06 a.m. (or heck, 8:06 a.m.).
But how can you make it happen? Watch and learn, folks. Though it should be noted the author of this work of art is mom to two big kids (ages 8 and 10), she tells Reddit that it was a success. We're still searching for a way to keep those pesky, I mean sweet little kids out of the bedroom.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Curb Kids' In-App Purchases

After an uproar from parents over their kids' over-the-top in-app purchase bills, Apple added some safeguards with an iOS update back in 2011. And Apple has just agreed to settle a lawsuit concerning kids' in-app purchases; the company will reimburse parents for all unauthorized payments.
Now, it's not hard to prevent your kids from racking up big bills with in-app purchases on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Here are some pointers:
1. Turn it off. Use your phone's restrictions to simply turn off the ability to make in-app purchases. Go to Settings, General, Restrictions. Under "Allow," choose "Off" for in-app purchases. Important: Use a restrictions passcode (not the same as the phone's passcode lock) that your kid doesn't know and can't guess. If your child knows the restrictions passcode, he or she can disable the restrictions (kids would still need a password to make an initial app purchase; see below).

2. Turn off the grace period. Unless you're running a really old version of iOS (and if you are, it's time for an update), you have the option to either require a password immediately for any in-app purchase, or to allow a 15-minute "grace period" during which, after an initial in-app purchase, you can make purchases without re-entering the password for the iTunes account. Require the password immediately. (This setting is also found under restrictions.)
3. Keep your password a secret. The grace period won't do you much good if your kid knows your iTunes password.
4. Go with a gift card. Let's say you want to allow your responsible kid to make purchases, but not go wild. Opt to fund his or her iTunes account with an iTunes gift card instead of a credit card. In iTunes, just select "none" for credit card and instead enter the gift card information. Letting kids know how much they have available to spend should encourage them to budget wisely. And once they hit their limit, they're done. You can review their purchases within iTunes.
You can also set up a separate iTunes account for your kid using a gift card. Kids will then be able to make purchases if they're logged in to their own account (until it's drained, that is).

Monday, January 20, 2014

Justin Bieber "Zebra" Comforter 3pc Set




Price:$64.95 FREE Shipping.
  • Officially Licensed
  • 1 Comforter (81"x86")
  • 2 Pillow Case (20"X30")
  • 100% Polyester Microfiber
  • Machine Washable


Sunday, January 19, 2014

FREE APP OF THE DAY Swingworm


  FREE APP OF THE DAY  Swingworm

List Price:$2.99
Price:$0.00
You Save:$2.99 (100%)


SWINGALICIOUS!
Swing, stretch, smash, and grab your way up a giant tree!

Meet Swingy, the brave hero of this swinging tale. It is spring in the Whispering Woods and like all other Swingworms of his age, Swingy wants to climb highest tree in the forest - The tree that reaches all the way up to the Moon. The only thing standing in the way is the berry-hoarding Big Bug and his countless spiky minions...

Controlling Swingworm is a one-of-a-kind experience. His head and tail will tenaciously grab surfaces and his stretchy, rubbery body allows him to reach far longer than it seems. It's a race against time as Swingy tries to gather all Rubbaberries to pay the Big Bug for an elevator ride further up the tree.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Just Crafty Enough – Owl Blanket crochet pattern

Just Crafty Enough – Iron Craft Challenge #16 – Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
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Iron Craft Challenge #16 – Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird

This week for Iron Craft we are having a virtual baby shower for Jenny over at A Bird in Hand Art. From Jenny’s art I knew she liked birds and owls show up a lot in her work, so I chose that for my theme. I decided to put my new crochet skills to work and create an owl granny square to be used in a baby blanket. Designing a square with an owl in it turned out to be easier than I thought.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
The square is a basic circle in a square with the ears stitched on afterwards giving it a little dimension. Hooking enough squares to make the full blanket during the Iron Craft time line, while traveling, was probably biting off more than I could chew. Here’s where I stand on the 80 squares I need to finish.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
I went with a color palette that I though matched what Jenny often used on her owl pieces. I think they are bright and attractive for a baby of any sex. The owl are on the white squares with colored squares in between. It has been so much fun to work on this blanket I can’t wait to finish it and see it all together.

Owl Granny Square

(This is my first crochet pattern ever, so please be kind if you see any mistakes in how it is written. Click on any picture in this tutorial to see it bigger. If you don’t know how to do a magic loop or french knot, follow the links in the pattern for instructions.)
Download the pdf of the Owl Granny Square
I crocheted my squares with a 4.25mm hook and used worsted weight yarn. The squares measure 4″.
Abbreviations:
  • ch = chain
  • dc = double crochet
  • sl st – slip stitch
Round 1: Make a magic loop. Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 11 dc. Close the loop. Sl st in the top stitch of the first chain. End off.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Round 2: Attach new color into any dc. Ch 3 (counts as first dc). 1 dc into the same space. 2 dc into each remaining dc. You will have 24 dcs (12 sets of 2). Sl st into the top stitch of the first chain. End off.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Round 3: Attach new color: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc into the next two dcs. 2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc into the next dc. *Dc into the next 5 dcs. 2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc into the next dc. Repeat from the * two more times. Dc into the remaining two dcs. Sl st into the top stitch of the first chain.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Round 4: Attach new color: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). dc into the next 5 dcs. 2 dc, 3 ch, 2 dc into the  ch 2 space. *Dc into the next 8 dcs. 2 dc, 3 ch, 2 dc into the ch 2 space. Repeat from the * two more times. Dc into the remaining 3 dcs. Sl st into the top stitch of the first chain. End off.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Make ears: Use the same color are round 2.
You are going to work on six stitched from Round 2 between two corners.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Ch 3 into first stitch.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Dc into the next stitch.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Sl st into the next 2 stitches. Dc into the next 2 stitches. Weave ends into the back of the square as shown in picture below.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Eyes and Beak:
With a tapestry needle and scrap yarn, stitch on a beak.
For the eyes, 3c in white. Sl st into the first chain making a loop. End off. Weave in end.
Using black yarn, make a french knot in the center of the eye.
Iron Craft Challenge #16 - Owl Blanket for a Baby Bird
Since the ends didn’t have much to weave into on the eyes I put a little fabric glue on the back to keep everything in place. Sew onto owl with white thread and needle.
(You could also sew on felt eyes if you don’t want to deal with such small crocheted circles.)
I’ll give you instructions for the full blanket once it’s done.
Update 3/7/13 Ok, I still haven’t finished my blanket, but you can see a lovely on a reader did here.
Copyright 2012 Kathy Lewinski
JustCrafyEnough.com
This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not sell, distribute or teach this pattern without my permission. Do not claim this pattern as your own. Do not sell items made with this pattern without permission.
If you are not reading this post in a feed reader or at http://justcraftyenough.com then the site you are reading is illegally publishing copyrighted material. Contact us at justcraftyenough AT yahoo DOT COM. All patterns, text and photographs in this post are the original creations & property of the author unless otherwise noted.
© 2005 – 2012 Kathy Lewinski & Susan Cornish
1 year ago by  in Challenges , Crochet , Iron Craft , Needlecraft , Projects | You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Gluten-free diet: What's allowed, what's not

Gluten-free diet: What's allowed, what's not



A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye).
A gluten-free diet is used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications.
Initially, following a gluten-free diet may be frustrating. But with time, patience and creativity, you'll find there are many foods that you already eat that are gluten-free and you will find substitutes for gluten-containing foods that you can enjoy.

Purpose

The gluten-free diet is a treatment for celiac disease.

Diet details

Switching to a gluten-free diet is a big change and, like anything new, it takes some getting used to. You may initially feel deprived by the diet's restrictions. However, try to stay positive and focus on all the foods you can eat. You may also be pleasantly surprised to realize how many gluten-free products, such as bread and pasta, are now available. Many specialty grocery stores sell gluten-free foods. If you can't find them in your area, check with a celiac support group or go online.
If you're just starting with a gluten-free diet, it's a good idea to consult a dietitian who can answer your questions and offer advice about how to avoid gluten while still eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Allowed foods Many healthy and delicious foods are naturally gluten-free:
  • Beans, seeds, nuts in their natural, unprocessed form
  • Fresh eggs
  • Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Most dairy products
It's important to make sure that they are not processed or mixed with gluten-containing grains, additives or preservatives. Many grains and starches can be part of a gluten-free diet:
  • Amaranth
  • Arrowroot
  • Buckwheat
  • Corn and cornmeal
  • Flax
  • Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
  • Hominy (corn)
  • Millet
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sorghum
  • Soy
  • Tapioca
  • Teff
Always avoid Avoid all food and drinks containing:
  • Barley (malt, malt flavoring and malt vinegar are usually made from barley)
  • Rye
  • Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
  • Wheat
Avoiding wheat can be challenging because wheat products go by numerous names. Consider the many types of wheat flour on supermarket shelves — bromated, enriched, phosphated, plain and self-rising. Here are other wheat products to avoid:
  • Bulgur
  • Durum flour
  • Farina
  • Graham flour
  • Kamut
  • Semolina
  • Spelt
Avoid unless labeled 'gluten-free' In general, avoid the following foods unless they're labeled as gluten-free or made with corn, rice, soy or other gluten-free grain:
  • Beer
  • Breads
  • Cakes and pies
  • Candies
  • Cereals
  • Cookies and crackers
  • Croutons
  • French fries
  • Gravies
  • Imitation meat or seafood
  • Matzo
  • Pastas
  • Processed luncheon meats
  • Salad dressings
  • Sauces, including soy sauce
  • Seasoned rice mixes
  • Seasoned snack foods, such as potato and tortilla chips
  • Self-basting poultry
  • Soups and soup bases
  • Vegetables in sauce
Certain grains, such as oats, can be contaminated with wheat during growing and processing stages of production. For this reason, doctors and dietitians generally recommend avoiding oats unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free.
You should also be alert for other products that you eat or that could come in contact with your mouth that may contain gluten. These include:
  • Food additives, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch and others
  • Medications and vitamins that use gluten as a binding agent
  • Playdough
Watch for cross-contamination Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten. It can happen during the manufacturing process, for example, if the same equipment is used to make a variety of products. Some food labels include a "may contain" statement if this is the case. But be aware that this type of statement is voluntary. You still need to check the actual ingredient list. If you're not sure whether a food contains gluten, don't buy it or check with the manufacturer first to ask what it contains.
Cross-contamination can also occur at home if foods are prepared on common surfaces or with utensils that weren't thoroughly cleaned after being used to prepare gluten-containing foods. Using a common toaster for gluten-free bread and regular bread is a major source of contamination, for example. Consider what steps you need to take to prevent cross-contamination at home, school or work.